Toy race course



t- 7,.1925- v F. L. MILLS TOY RACE COURSE Filed April 12 192 3Sheets-Sheet l T Z :3 a. AZ 5 B W! H .E@ SE E Z l r T AQ Q wJ Mv h. N5%,. E I. Q QQQ/ E I A 1 Z mnv H/Q .0 W Ed I MN Oct. 27, 1925. 1,559,120

F, L. MILLS TOY mm; counsn Filed April 12 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 2llllllllli llllllllll Wad %7Z6,

F. L. MILLS 'TOY RACE COURSE Filed April 12 1924 3 Sheets-sheaf 5212226717071, j radifli/Z Patented Oct. 2 7, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT JOEFICE.

FRED L. HILLS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR 'I'O MILLSNOVELTY COMPANY,OF

' CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

TOY RACE COURSE.

Application filed April 12, 1924. tserlal No. 706,058.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRED L. MILLs, a citizen of the United States,residing at Oak Park, in the county of Cook and State of 5 Illinois,have invented a new and use ful Improvement in Toy Race Courses, ofwhich the following is a specification.

.This invention relates particularly to a toy race course and to meansfor controlling the operation thereof. The control ispreferablyefi'ected through the medium of a musical instrument, and such musicalinstrument is preferably of the automatic or semi-automatic type such asa player-piano,

an automatic violin machine, a console machine, etc.

Musical machines of the type referred to are on the market, known as theMills machines. Machines of this character areillustrated in variousLetters Patent of the United States, among which may be mentionedSandell Patent. 807,871, granted Dec.

19, 1905, Sandell Patent 855,021, granted May 28, 1907, Sandell Patent856,604, granted June 11, 1907, Sandell Patent 1,045,444,

granted Now-26, 1912.

Generally stated, the invention comprises a series of independentlymovable racingbodies, dummies, or racers, such as horses,

. automobiles, bicycles, or the like; and per mutation actuating-meansfor said racers.

The actuating means for the device ma be controlled in any suitablemanner. Pre erably, however, it. is controlled'by a coin-' controlledmember of an automatic music machine; and, preferably, the race courseis provided with a sequence-changing device which is controlled bynote-playing, or notesounding means of an automatic, or semiautomatic,musical instrument. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, theracer employed has the form of a horse and rider; the racers are mountedon endless tracks; and the permutable actuating means for the racerscomprises a relatively fast niovin permutation-belt equipped with aplurality. of longitudinal series of raceractuating members adapted topermutably which they move across the area of vision,

and a relatively slow-moving endless ositioning-belt which carriesa'member w ch is adapted. to engage all ofthe racers and engage theracers and vary the sequence in,

return them to the initial end of the field of vision and place'them inposition to be permutably engaged by such members of thepermutation-belt as maychance to come into position opportunely toengage and advance i the racers across the field of vision.

The belts mentioned are of. different lengths and so cooperate as tochange the combination or sequence ineach operation of the device.fected, however, themselves follow a certain sequence, or cycle ofsequences. It is preferred, therefore, to provide means for varying themovements of the two belts withrelation to'each" other. Preferably, thisis effected by providing means for interrupting the movement of thepositioningbelt, and controlling the operation of this sequence-changingthrough the medium of the note-playing mechanism, or notevcontrollingmechanism, of a musical instrument. In this manner, the sequence-chang-ing device may be controlled simply and variably 'by utilizing theplaying action which corresponds with the playing. of a certain note ofa piece of music.

The invention is illustrated in its pre- The permutations thus efferredembodiment in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 represents aside elevational view of the improved device, a fragment of the cabinetof a self-playing musical instru-v ment being shown in connectiontherewith; Fig. 2, a portion of the development of the permutation belt,this view showing also a portion of the racer-positioning belt and themember actuated thereby; 'Fi 3,

another portion of the development 0 said ermutation-belt; Fig. 4, anenlarged broen rear elevational view of the left hand rtionof themechanism shown in Fig. 1; ig. 5, a plan view of. the mechanism shown inFig. 4; Fig. 6, a fragmentary view showing a slightly modified form of abar constituting a race track; and'Fig. a view which is diagrammatic inits nature, and which will facilitate an understanding of .the operationof the mechanism and the electric circuits thereof.

In the embodiment illustrated, A represents the frame of the racecourse; B, the race tracks forming a part of said frame; G, thepermutation-belt employed; D, the

- ed; E a drum secured on the shaft E and upon which one end of thepermutation-belt C is mounted; H, a shaft journalled at the opposite endof the frame and equipped with a drum H upon which the correspondingendof the belt C is mouted; I, a shaft journalled in the end of the framebeyond the shaft H and equipped with a drum or wheel I upon which oneend of the belt D is mounted; J, a magnet controlling the clutch F; K, amotor-circuit-controlling switch which is controlled by a closing magnetK and an opening magnet K L, a switch controlling the circuit of theclutchshifting magnet J, and which is operated by a circuit-closingmagnet L and a 011'- cuit-opening magnet L M,-a portion of thenote-playing means of a self-playing musical instrument, specifically atracker-bar of such an instrument; M, a note-sheet controlling theplaying of themusical instrument; N, a. switch controlling the electriccircuits shown; and N, a coin-controlled member which serves as a meansfor closing the switch N when a coin, or slug, is charged into themachine through a coin chute N The improved device preferably is mountedin the cabinet of an automatic or semiautomatic playing musicalinstrument. For example, the device may be mounted in the cabinet of aself-playing piano, the playing of which is controlled through themedium of a note sheet, a tracker bar, and circuitcontrolling contactsco acting therewith. An illustration of such an arrangement is given inthe accompanying drawings, However, the improved device may be mountedin the cabinet of an automatic stringed instrumentmachine; it may bemounted in the cabinet of a machine provided with stringed instrumentsof the viol class which are operated or played from a console; or theimproved device may be mounted in the cabinet of an ordinary hand-playedmachine operated through the medium of a keymanual.

.opening A which may be covered with a transparency, such as a plate ofglass A. The view-opening A represents the field circuit was broken whenthe racers reached the position shown.

The racers are designated by the numerals 1 to 6 inclusive. Thecorrresponding actuating members of these several racers for the raceillustrated are designated 1 to 6 inelusive in F ig. 2; and thecorresponding race tracks, of the series of tracks B are designated inFig.- 5 as 1 to 6 inclusive, the front, or near track, 1 appearing alsoin Fig. 1.

Each track comprises'an endless bar having an upper member 7, a lowermember 7*, a curved initial end 7", and a curved final end 7, theseloops completing the trackcircuit. The curves 7 b and 7 are struck fromthe centers I and G, respectively, these centers being somewhat belowthe plane of the centers of the shafts E and H, which are the centersfor the permutation-belt C.

In the illustration given, each racer is shown as representing thefigure of a horse and rider. Each racer is movable independently of theother racers. The racer 1, for example, is mounted so as to be capableof moving freely on the track rail 1". Thus, the front feet of the horseare shown mounted on a member 8 which is equipped with rollers 8 whichengage the upper and lower edges of the track. The .rear feet of thehorse are shown mounted 'on a member 9 equipped with a roller 10 whichengages the outer edge of the track. Connected with the lower end of themember 10 is a trigger, or catch-member, 11 which is of an angular formand which has its elbow portion equipped with a roller 11 which engagesthe inner edge of the track. The depending arm 11 of the member 11 isadapted to be engaged by an actuating member of the permutation-belt C.It may also be engaged by a member 13 carried by the positioning-belt D.A spring 12 serves tohold the roller 11 in engagement with the inneredge of the track. The construction is of a design adapted to permit theracers to move about the curved ends of the track without binding orbecoming jammed thereon.

The racer actuating member 1" which has been designated by referencecharacters in Figs. 1 and 2, is one of a longitudinal series of suchmembers with which the permutation-belt C is equipped. Any one of thesemembers 1 may serve to actuate the racer 1, depending upon thecombination which chances to be in effect during a race. In a similarmanner, the permutation-belt is provided with a longitudinal series ofactuating members 2 a longitudinal series of actuating members 3 etc.These several lon- .is a staggered one, and may be varied, in anydesired manner, 1n the manufacture of the permutation-belt.

The permutation-belt C may be of any do sired'material. It may, forexample, comprise an endless light metal band.

The belt D may comprise an endless metal tape, if desired. It isequipped at one point with a -racer actuating member 13. This member isshown as consisting of a light bar of metal which has one end portion 13secured to the belt D, a portion 13 rising therefrom, a cross-barportion 13 which is disposed in a high enough plane to avoid contactwith the racer actuators mounted on the permutation-belt C, an offsetarm 13, and an upturned arm 18 which is equipped witha roller 13 whichengages the rear track 6", and thus supports the. freeend of the member13.

It will be noted that the'upper portion 7 of the track is close enoughto the upper .side of the permutation-belt to enable the racer actuators1", 2, etc., to engage the triggers, or catches, of the racers. On theother hand,. the lower portion 7 of the track is removed so far from thelower. side of the permutation-belt that the racer actuators of thepermutation-belt cannot engage the fingers, or catches, of the racersduring the return movement of the racers at the underside ot the course.This result is accomplished by setting the centers G and I below thecenters E and H.

' The motor E may be of any. suitable type.

The clutch F serves normally to clutch the pulley or sprocket wheel F tothe shaft E. The clutch is engaged by a clutch-shifting lever 14 whichis mounted on a pivot 14 and which has its free end within the range ofaction .of the clutch-shifting magnet J. lVhenever a certain'note of themusical instrument is struck, as occurs, for example, when contact 18engages the tracker-bar M to energize the circuit 18 which causes thestriking of the note in a well-known manner, the magnet J (assuming itscircuit to be closed) is energized and disconnects the sprocket wheel Ffrom the shaft E for an instant of greater or less duration, dependingupon the length pf the note. When the fimagnet J is' de-energized, theclutch is returned to the clutching position by'means of a spring 15(Fig. 5).

The circuits and the method of operation will best be understood fromthe diagrammatic view shown in Fig. 7, in which the parts are givenreference characters corresponding with those employed in the otherfigures. The mains of the electric circuit are designated 16 and 17.Themain 16 has branches 16 and 16 which are electrically connected withthe metal frame A. The branch 16 has a sub-branch 16 leading to one endof i the circuit-closing magnet K and a branch.- 16 lead ng to theswitch K. 'A branch 16 of the positive side of-the circuit also leads tothe metal trackerbar, or. roll M.

A negative main 17 has a branch 17 leading to-one side of the motor E,and has a branch 17" leading to one of the inembers'of the switch N. Nole-controlling contacts which cooperate with the tracker-bar M are fdesignated 18,. These members have circuits 18 which control the playingof the notes of the musical instrument. these contacts, correspondingwith a certain note, has connected .therewith a conductor 16 which leadsto one end of the clutchcontrolling magnet J. On the other end of themagnet J, a conductor17 leads to a contact 19 which cooperates with theswitch L. From the switch L a conductor 17 connects with the branch 17.From the conductor 17, a branch 17 leads to one end'of the magnet L. y e

The switch K cooperates with a contact point 20 which is connected 'b abranch 16 with one side of the motor The switch K is adapted to remainin either position after being actuated by either magnet.

The circuit is provided with a contact point 21 which is adapted to beconnected with the positive side of the circuit by means of a switch 22which has an actuating member 22*? which .is adapted to be moved toclose the circuit by meansofan actuating member 23 secured to the beltI). Fig. 7 shows the position after the switch 22 has been closed toenergize the magnet K and to interrupt the motor circuit. After suchaction, the switch 22 returns to the open, position. l

.From the contact 21, a branch 16 extends to one end of the magnet K anda branch One of 16 extends to one end of the magnet L. On the other endof the magnet K? a branch 17 extends to the branch 17 of the negativemain. .With the branch 17' there is connected a branch 17 whichconnects" with one end of the magnet L WVith the other end of the magnetL there is. connected a branch 16 which leads to a contact point 24which is adapted to be connected with the positive side of the circuitthrough the medium of a switch 25 which is equipped with an actuatingmember 25. The swltch 25 is adapted to be closed when the member 23 onthe belt D engages the member 25. Vhen this occurs, the circuit oftliemagnet L will. be energized. This will move the end of the course to theend of the race (illustrated in Fig. 1). In the illustration given, theclutch-shifting magnet J can energized as often as the note wlnchcontrols the actuation of the magnet J is struck during the playing ofthe musical instrument, but only during that portion of the cycle whilethe racers are moving from the position shown in Fig. 1 through one-halfof the circuit. It is noted, however, that the racer-positioning member13 does not come into contact with the racers while they are moving fromthe position shown in 1 to the transversely alined position at the finalend of the range of action of the permutation-belt C. Without someprovision for interrupting the circuit of the magnet J, it might happenthat the belt I) would not bring the member 23 into position tointerrupt the motor circuit and stop the race while the racers arewithin the range of act-ion of the device C. When the clutch isdisconnected, the belt D stops "for a moment, while the permutation-beltC continues to move. The result of these stoppages is to change thepermutation. That is, the permutation will not follow any regular cycle,such as it might follow if one depended merely u n the normal movementsor" the two belts and D to effect the change. Every stoppage of the beltD means a laggin of the racers in their return t the initial. end of thetrack; and, since the permutation-belt U continues to move, there is noway of determining which actuating members on the pernm-tation-belt willengage the racers when the racers are brought into the range of actionof the actuating members on the permutation-belt.

The switch N controls the starting of the motor (not shown) of themusical instrument. in a well known manner. This switch also controlsthe circuits of the racing device. which have been described. However,

iSi it possible, while the musical instrument continues its playing, forthe racing device to be actuated a number of times. This may beaccomplished by dropping a coin into the instrument and actuating theswitch N whenever it is desired to see the race.

The operation of the device may be r estated briefly. \Vhen a coin, orslug, closes the switch N, a circuit is established from lit-he positivemain 16 through the magnet K, from thence through a branch 17 to theswitch, and from the switch through the branch 17 to the negative main17. This causes the magnet K to close the switch K and permit current topass through the mo- 'tor E. The motor operates until the membegins.They may, for example, be located, as represented in Fig. 1. They arecarried by the permutation-belt to the left end of the device, as viewedin Fig. 1. After they pass the range of action of the mutationbelt, theyare in transverse ahnement and remain idle until they are engaged by theracer actuating member 13 mounted on the belt D. They are then movedabout the end of the race track and returned at the underside of therace track, and finally brought again to the initial end of the trackwithin the range of action of the permutation-belt and carried to theend of the race, which corresponds, in a general way, with the positionof the racers, shown in Fig.1.

During a portion of the cycle, the positioning-belt may be stoppedmomentarily, from time to time. Such stoppages occur when the notecontrolling the circuit of the magnet J is struck, provided the switchis in the closed position; and the switch ii is in the closed position,in the illustration given, while the racers are moved from the positionshown in "Fig. 1 through one-half of the circuit.

i /'hen the racers are carried to the upper portion of the race course,by the positioning-belt, they are brought, in alined relation, acrossthe initial end of the permutation-belt, and are picked up, one afterthe other, by the projections on the permutation-belt. The sequence, ororder, in which the racers move across the field of vision, is varied,however, and such variation is affected, from time to time, by theoperation of the musical instrument.

From the description given, it will be un derstood that while theimproved device is capable of operation independently of a musicalinstrument, it may be used in connection with a musical instrument veryadvantageously, and will serve to attract interest to the musicalinstrument. Very expensive musical instruments of the character referredto are now available upon the market; and the use of the improved deviceas an adjunct, will, without greatly adding to the expense of theinstallation, enable the receipts from the musical instrument to be verylargely increased. For illustration, the rendition of a piece of musicon a highpriced instrument may require several minutes of the time ofthe instrument, and this may be secured for a nickel or a dime. When theimproved device is used in connection with the musical instrument,interest may be kept up by inserting coins to enable the races to bewatched, and thus the c receipts may be increased. The variation in thesequences in which the racers cross the range of yision adds greatly tothe interest, and this interest is enhanced by the fact that the changein sequence is efi'ected by the control of the device through the mediumof I the mechanism which controls the notesounding means of themusicalinstrument. While, in the embodiment illustrated, the

. race course is shown in the form of an elon-.

gatedendless h, it is to be understood ghat this is on y a preferredformfor the.

evice.

a Any suitable automatic, or semi-automatic musical instrument may havethe improved I device employed therewith. Those skilled may serve alsoto set in operation the im- 5. In a device of the character "set forth,

proved racin device. In Fig. 6, designates a; track-bar having wavyedges, designed to giveto the racer, a cantering effect as the racer isadvanced along the bar. J

The foregoing detailed description has been given forclearness-ofunderstanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understoodtherefrom, but the appended claims should be construed asbroadly aspermissible, in view of the prior art.

What-I regard as new, and desire-to se cure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a device of the character a series oftracks, racer's mountedthereon, a permutation device adapted to actuate said racers, andseparate movable means for positioning said racers within the range ofaction of said permutation device.

2. In a device of the character set forth, a series of independentlymovable racers,

permutation actuating means therefor opera- I tive normally to vary. thesequence of the racers during each cyclev of operation of the device,and additional means fon'efi'ecting permutation of the normal variationof .se:-'

quences.

3. In a. device of the character set forth, a series of independentlymovable racers, permutation actuating'nieans therefor operative normallyto vary the sequence of the racers during each cycle of operation of thedevice, and an electro-magnetically operated device adapted to enablethe normal variation' of sequences to be altered.

4. In a device of the character set forth, a series of independentlymovable racers, permutation actuating means therefor, normally operativeto-vary the sequence of the racers and a sequence-changing device forvarying the operation of said permutation actuating means.

a series of .independentlymovable racers, permutation actuating meanstherefor, a sequence-changing device for varying the operation of saldpermutation actuating means,

and note-playing means of a musical instrument controllingsaidsequence-changing device.

'6. In a device of the character set forth, a series of independentlymovable racers, actuating means for said racers, and note- 1 plaingmeans of a musical instrument contro ling the action of saidactuating means and operative to effect a change in sequence of'theracers.

7. In a device of the character set forth,

a series of racers, and permutation actuating means therefor, incombination with a controlling means comprising a note-sheet andattendant mechanism of a self-playing musical instrument. 4

8. In a device of the character set forth, a series of racers, Ipermutation actuating means therefor operative normally to change thesequence of said racers in each- 0 cle of operations, an electric motorfor riving said actuating means, means for controlling the operation ofsaid motor, and means for varyingthe action of said permutationactuating means during the operation of the motor.

9. In a device of the character setforth,

a series of racers, permutation actuating means therefor, an electricmotor servin to drive aid actuating means, loom-contra led meanscontrolling the circuit of said motor, set forth,

and means for varying the operation of said actuating means while it is'being driven by said motor, including a controlling-device comprlsi-ngamember of a musical instrument. i

10. In. a device of the character set forth, a series of ,racers,permutation actuating means therefor, an electric motor-servin to drivesaid actuating means, coin-contro ledmean-s controlling the circuit ofsaid motor,

and means for varying the operation of said actuatingmeans'while itis'beinlgd'riven by said motor,- includinga contro in comprising amember of a musica finst'rument which functions in thexoperation ofplaylng a note on said musical instrument.

device 11. I-na device of the character set' forth,

a series of racers, permutation actuating means therefor, a motoradapted to drive said actuating means, a device adapted to influence theoperation of said permutation actuating means while it is being drivenbv said motor, and an electromagnet contro ling said last-named device.12. In a device of the character set forth,

a series of independently movable racers,

anda permutation actuating device for moving said racers, comprising apermutation member equipped with a plurality of'series of actuatingmembers adapted to permutably engage'the racers,"and a cooperating racerpositioning device having a period of movemember.

' ment different from that of saidpermutat-ion *with a plurality ofseries of actuating members for permutably engaging the racers, and acooperating racer-positioning-belt equipped with means for engaging allof the racers, said last-named means being adapted to bring the racersinto transverse alignment and position them within the range of actionof said permutation-belt.

15. In a device of the character set forth, a series of independentlymovable racers, and permutation actuating means therefor, comprising apermutation actuating device equipped with a plurality of "series ofactuating members for permutably engaging the several racers, and apositioning member equipped with means for positioning the racers insubstantially transverse alignment and within the range of action ofsaid permutation member.

16. Ina device of the character set forth, a series of independentlymovable racers, and a permutation member equipped with a plurality ofseries of catch-members for permutably engaging the racers, each of saidseries corresponding with one .of the racers and said series ofcatch-members moving in an endless path, and a cooperatingracer-positioning device equipped with a member adapted to engage all ofthe racers, said permutation member being driven at a faster rate ofspeed than said positioning device. I g

17 In a device of the character set forth, a series of independentlymovable racers, and permutation actuating means therefor, comprising apermutation-belt equipped with a plurality of series of catch-membersfor permutably engaging the racers, and a longer racerepositioning-belt'equipped with means for engaging all of the racers.

18. In a device of the character set forth, a series of independentlymovable racers, andpermutation actuating means therefor, comprising apermutation-belt equipped with a plurality of series of catch-membersfor permuta bly engaging the racers, a longer racer-positioning-beltequipped with means for engaging all of the racers, and means fordriving the permutation-belt at one speed and the positioning-belt at aslower speed. 19. Ina device of the character set forth, a series ofindependently movable racers,

and permutation actuating means therefor, comprising a permutation-beltequipped with a plurality of series of catch-members for permutablyengaging the racers, a lon er positioning-belt equipped with means orengaging all of the racers, means for driving ,with a plurality ofseries of catch-members the character set forth, 4

for permutably engaging the racers, a longer positioning-belt equippedwith means for engaging all of the racers, means for driving said belts,and means controlling the operation of the positioning-belt,including amember of a musical instrument which participates in the sounding of anote of said instrument.

21. In a device of the-character set forth,

the combination of a series of elongated" endless tracks, a series ofracersmounted thereon, a permutation-belt equippedwith a plurality ofseries of catch-members adapted to permutably engage the racers, apositioning-belt equipped with means for engaging all the-racers, andmeans for driving said belts at different speeds,

22. In a device of the character set forth, the combination of a seriesof elongated endless tracks, a series of racers mounted thereon, apermutation-belt equipped with a plurality of series of catch-membersadapted to permutably engage the racers, a positioning-belt equippedwith means for engaging all the racers, and means for driving said beltsvariably and with the permutation-belt operating at a greater speed thanthe positioningbelt.

23. In a device of the character set forth,

a a series of racers adapted to be moved in an endless course,permutation actuating means therefor'adapted to move the racers inpermutable sequences through aportion of the course and then bring theracers into substantially transversely alined relation at the final endof the course, and means for engaging the racers after such transversealinement and returning them to a position within the range of theaction of the initial end of said permutation actuating means.

QLIn a device of the character set forth, a series of racers adapted tomove in parallel endless courses, permutation actuating means for saidracers, a motor for driving said actuating means, and means forautomatically stopping the motor when the racers occupy a sequence ofrelative advancement.

25. In a deviceof the character set forth, a series of parallel endlessrace tracks, a series of racers mounted thereon, a permutation-beltequipped with a plurality of series opening, and a toy race course insaid cabi net comprising a series of substantially parallel endlesstracks. racers mounted on said tracks said view o enin bein disposed soas to display said racers while mov ing across one side of the courseand the cabinet serving to conceal the return of the racersto'the-initial end of the course, and permutation actuating meansforsaid racers, comprising a permutation-belt equipped with a pluralityof longitudinal series of catch-members and a positioning belt equippedwith means for engaging all of the racers, said belts being so arrangedthat the permutation-belt will carrynthe racers across the-field ofvision and the positioning-belt will pick up the racers and return themto the initial end of the course.

27.In a device of the character set'forth, a series of endless ractracks, a series of racers mounted thereon, a permutation-belt supportedon centers lying in one plane and equipped with a plurality of seriesofcatchmembers for permutably engaging the racers, a positioning-beltsupported on centers disosed at a lower plane, said positioning-belt inof a greater lengththanthe permutation- It and equipped with a memberadaptedto engage all the racers and return them'to the initial end ofthe course while the racers are free from engagement with the catchmembers-of the permutation-belt, and driving means for said belts.

- 28. In a device of the character set forth, a series of endless racetracks, a series of racers mounted thereon, a permutation-belt supportedon centers lying in one plane and equipped with a plurality of series ofcatch members for permutably engaging the racers, a positioning-beltsupported on centers disposed at a lower plane, said positioning-beltbein of a greater length than-the permutationelt and equipped with amember adapted to engage all the racers. and return them to the initialend of the course while the racers are free from engagement with thecatch members of the permutationbelt, driving means for-said belt s,-and "means for varying the relative movements'ofy-said belts.

29. A cabinet provided with'an elongated view opening, and-a devicemounted in said cabinet comprising a series of racers adapted tobe-moved through'endless' paths, permutat ion means adapted to move saidracers invarying sequences across the field of vision represented by.said view-opening and to return said racers to the initial end ofthecourse, the return movement being hidden by said cabinet and saidpermutation actuating means being adapted to return the racers,

and position them in substantially trans- Verse ali'nement at theinitial end of the course.

30. -In a device of the character set forth, a series of racers adaptedto movethrough endless courses, permutation actuating means therefor,comprising a permutation member equipped with-a plurality of seriesoff-catch members adapted to permutably engage the racers, a positioningmember equipped with means adapted to engage all the racers and returnthem to the initial end of the course and position them in substantiallytransverse alinement within the range of action of said -permutationmember, an "electrio motor adapted to drive said permutation tmember[and said positioning member, a clutch controlling the drive of saidposi tioning member, an electromagnet controlling saidclutch,note-sounding .means in a musical instrumentcontrolling said magnet, amotor-controll ng circult, a c1rcuit controlling said electromagnet, anelectromagnet controlling said last-named circuit, and means actuated bysaidpermu'tation actuatingmeans and serving to control the circuit ofsaid last-named magnet. v

31. In a device of the character set forth,

a series of racers adapted to move through endless courses, permutationactuating means therefor, comprising a permutation member equipped witha plurality of series of catch members adapted to permutably engage theracers, a ositioning member equipped with means a apted to engage all athe racers and return them to the initial end of'the course and toposition them in substantially transverse alinement within the range ofaction-of said permutation member,

an electric motor adapted to drive said permutation member and saidpositioning mem- -ber, clutch controlling t c drive of said positioningmember, an electro-magnet controlling said clutch, note-sounding meansin a I musical instrument controlling said magnet, amotor-controlling-circuit, a circuit controlling said electro-magnet,.an electromagnet controllin said last-named circuit, means actuated ysaid permutationactuating means and serving-to control thecircuit off 1said last-named magnet, a switchi'for the motor-circuit, anelectromagnet controlling said switch, and a switch controlling saidlast-named electromagnet and which is it---. self controlled by theoperation of said per- Y mutation actuating means.

32. In a device of the character set-forth,

a series of substantially parallel endless race belts.

tracks, a series of racers mounted thereon equipped with dependingfingers, and permutation actuating means comprising a permutation membere uipped with a plurality of series of ca-tc permutably engage saidfingers, and a positioning member equipped with a member adapted toengage all oi said fingers and serving to return the racers to theinitial end of the course.

33. In a device of the character set forth, a series of Substantiallyparallel endless race tracks disposed in vertical planes, a series ofracers mounted thereon, equipped with yielding depending fingers havingbearings engaging said tracks, and permutation aqtuating means equippedwith catch members adapted to permutably engage said fingers.

34. In. a device of the character set forth, a race course comprising aplurality of parallel-tracks, each having upper and lower Ways andcurved connecting end ways, a plurality of racers mounted on. saidtracks, an actuating belt equipped with racer-actuators arran 'ed indifferent positions longitudinally o? the belt and which serve to movethe racers along the upper ways, a longer belt equipped with means forengaging the racers and moving them through the remainder of theircircuits, and means for changing the relative movements of said 35. In adevice of the character set forth, a race course comprising a pluralityof parallel tracks, each having upper and lower members adapted to waysand curved connecting end ways, a plurality of racers mounted on saidtracks, an actuating belt equipped with racer-actuators arran ed indifferent positions longitudinally o the belt and which serve to movethe racers along the upper ways, a longer belt equipped with means forengaging the racers and moving them through the remainder of theircircuits, and recurrently acting means serving to change the relativemovements of said belts.

36. In a device of the character set forth, a series of circuitsarranged substantially in parallel vertical planes, a series of racersadapted to be moved about said circuits, permutation actuating meansadapted to move said racers in permutable sequences through aportion ofthe course, and means for bringing the racers within range of theinitial end of the permutation actuating means.

37 In a device of the character set forth, a cabinet providedwith anelongated viewopening and a toy race-course in said cabinet comprising aseries of endless tracks arranged in substantially parallel verticalplanes and having their upper reaches disposed back of saidview-opening, racers mounted on said tracks, permutation actuating meansadapted to carry said racers past said view-opening, and means forreturning the racers and positioningthem within the range of the initialend of said permutation actuating means.

FRED L. MILLS.

